Jack Strong Foundation Inc

DECA4ERIN6/30/2018

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DECA4ERIN

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page for Erin Howe.

In June of 2014 Erin Howe, at just nine years old was diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukenia. She was immediately pumped full of harsh chemotherapy drugs, had a port surgically placed in her chest, and began a two and a half year cancer treatment protocol. Her energetic and positive personality lit up the Oncology Unit at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, and made her a well known roll model around the hospital. It even landed her the face of the 2016 Farm Fresh Round Up campaign. Erin's grit and determination allowed her to fight through her treatment, reaching remission, and completed her protocol...and was finally able to grasp her childhood once again. Sadly this joyful time quickly came to an abrupt halt in June of 2017, when the Howe's received the devastating news that Erin's cancer had returned. This twelve year old (now thirteen) was in the fight of her life for the second time. With their team of oncologists, the Howes researched the best treatment options available nationally and immediately began steps towards her last and only option...a bone marrow transplant.

A few weeks ago, they traveled and relocated to Durhan, NC where Erin just recently received her bone marrow transplant at Duke University Hospital in the Pediatric Oncology Intensive Care Unit for an undetermined period of time, but at least 6 months. Erin is courageous and determined, and most often smiles through the unimaginable. She leans on her faith, and her mom...and gracefully fights while displaying an unforgettable spunky spirit that leaves an incredible impact on everyone she meets.

​During all this time, Erin's mom has to drop everything, including work, to be her rock and 100% support system. With this comes the stress that most every parent of a child battling childhood cancer has to face...how to deal with all the expenses of life that must continue, as their life stops so they don't slowly get buried in financial burden that comes along with this nasty disease. My personal goal is to try and raise funds to provide some financial supportto help deal with medical bills, medicine not covered by insurance, medical supplies, lodging for out of state treatments, traveling expenses, and meals.

​MY job is to bring attention and try and shine a spot light to Erin's fight. So for this effort, I have signed up for what is called a DECA Iron Distance triathlon or DECA "Ironman". It consists of a 24 mile swim, 1,120 mile bike, and 262 mile run...NONSTOP. While this is still nothing compared to Erin's battle, it's MY way of sharing in a little of her fight, all the while bringing her battle to as many folks as I can, offering up my struggle for her, and encouraging people who follow along to donate funds and prayers for her battle.

I'll be teaming up with the Jack Strong Foundation and First Giving, as my partners in this effort. Many of you remember Jack Rollins as the little hero I raised money for in my last big race. Jack courageously battled cancer but lost his battle last year. My heart warms at the thought of taking Jack with me on another "adventure" while keeping his memory alive, all the while helping ANOTHER child fight this horrible disease. So I want to thank Brooke Rollins and her board, for partnering with me on this journey. Please join me in doing some good and trying to help one child at a time. ​

Thank you and please share with anyone you think might want to help as well.